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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 10132003TOUR OF CENTRAL PARK AT 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Park Pavilion CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA October 13, 2003 7:00 P.M. Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER. II. ROLL CALL. III. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES. IV. REPRESENTATIVES FROM URS WILL BE PRESENT. V. REPORTS: A. Community Services B. School Board C. Sports Boosters VI. OTHER BUSINESS. VII. ADJOURNMENT. Reminder: The Parks Commission meetings in September and October will be cablecast practice runs. The November meeting will be viewed "live" to St. Anthony residents. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 L✓ 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2003 7:00 p.m. Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Jindra called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance. II. ROLL CALL. Present: Absent: Also Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners Daniel Ganley, Jan Jenson, and George Wagner. Commissioners Colleen Hallada and Julie Gebhardt; City Council Member Amy Sparks. Public Works Director Jay Hartman; Representative from Community Services Diane Skrivseth; Representative from Sports Boosters George Zurbey; Representative from the School Board Denise Dunn. M. APPROVAL AUGUST 11, 2003 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES. Chair Jindra referenced the Silver Point Park update stating that she has asked about the delivery of the park building. She stated that her inquiry is not noted in the minutes and asked for verification from the draft. Note: Minutes from the July 14, 2003 meeting and draft minutes of the August 11, 2003 meeting were reviewed — no reference to an inquiry about the building delivery date was noted. Chair Jindra referenced page 3 stating that the motion was cut off on the copy provided for their review. She asked that the motion be clarified and restated. The motion on page three of the August 11, 2003 Park Commission minutes should read: Motion by Vice Chair Koehntop, second by Commissioner Hallada, to formally request consideration from the School Board, a continuance in the interest of park safety, function and aesthetics and that the City Council and School Board meet to develop a process for all future changes to the master plan for the park and determine how the Parks Commission would be involved and that the Parks Commission would like the ability to review and make changes to the plan. Motion carried unanimously Ms. Skrivseth noted that she was not in attendance at the August 11, 2003 meeting. 4 / Motion by Vice Chair Koehntop, second by Commissioner Ganley, to approve the August 11, 48 2003 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes as amended. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 2 1 2 Motion carried unanimously 3 4 IV. Parks Update Discussion 5 6 A. Central Park Discussion 7 8 Chair Jindra stated that Rich Koechlien, URS, would not be present this evening. 9 10 Chair Jindra referenced the Maplewood extension noting that the seating in the area along 11 Skycroft Drive is not good. 12 13 Public Works Director Hartman stated that the seating in this area is being address. He 14 referenced the seeding stating that this too would be addressed. He stated that North Metro is 15 working to complete the landscaping. He reviewed the progress noting that the trees are in and 16 are being watered adding that the trail work has been corrected. He stated that they are working 17 from the punchlist from the last meeting. 18 19 Chair Jindra asked if they would replace any of the trees that die in the first year. Public Works Director Hartman confirmed stating that the trees carry a two-year warranty. Chair Jindra L _ referenced the drought and asked if they should have waited until September to plant the trees. 22 Public Works Director Hartman explained that the timeframe to plant is up to the contractor and 23 reviewed with the Commission. 24 25 Vice Chair Koehntop asked if the trees would be replaced in October. Public Works Director 26 Hartman explained that they would take an inventory of the trees this fall and replace any trees 27 that died in the spring. 28 29 Mr. Zurbey expressed concerns regarding the entrance to the park stating that there are not 30 enough sprinklers in that area. He asked if it would be possible to request donations from the 31 residents in that area to install sprinklers at the entrance. Public Works Director Hartman 32 acknowledged Mr. Zurbey's concerns and explained that they do not want to involve the 33 residents in that process. He stated that watering in this area would be the responsibility of the 34 contractor. Mr. Zurbey clarified that his concern is with respect to the watering as an ongoing 35 maintenance of the park entrance. He explained that the residents in the area of the entrance 36 have been watering and suggested that the contractor pay for a portion of the residents' water bill 37 to help cover the costs they have incurred. He stated that the area should be watered more 38 frequently as this is the main entrance to the park. Chair Jindra agreed noting that this issue was 39 discussed on the tour. Public Works Director Hartman stated that he would look into it noting 40 that it could probably be worked out with the contractor. 41 44 45 Commissioner Jensen noted that in the July meeting it was recorded that a field improvement plan would be established on July 18t and asked if this took place. Public Works Director Hartman stated that he has had two meetings with the Superintendent from the school district and the Maintenance Supervisor, Tom Foley, to discuss the maintenance for both facilities. He Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 3 1 reviewed the discussions with the Commission. He explained that they worked to set up the 2 boundaries and guidelines for future maintenance noting that the second meeting was with Tom 3 Foley and John Hopco. He explained that Mr. Hopco was brought back in the spring to work on 4 the High School Stadium field noting that Mr. Hopco did a fantastic job bringing back the 5 stadium field. He stated that they are in the process of getting proposals for a fertilization and 6 aeration contract noting that the contract would include all costs. He stated that they are leaning 7 towards awarding the contract to Mr. Hopco. 8 9 Commissioner Jensen asked if the fields would be ready for spring sports. Public Works 10 Director Hartman confirmed stating that the fields have to be ready by spring. He stated that 11 with the time left this year, Veit and Mr. Hopco should be able to have fields ready in time for 12 spring sports. He explained that Veit has mowed the fields at least three or four times and that 13 the fields have been fertilized and seeded per the contract agreement. He noted that Veit is 14 aware that they would have to come back to re -seed. 15 16 Commissioner Ganley asked if Veit would re -seed this fall. Public Works Director Hartman 17 stated that he is presently working on a schedule with Veit. 18 19 Chair Jindra stated that the majority of the fields look good. Public Works Director Hartman agreed noting that water is not reaching all of the fields. Mr. Zurbey asked if they would contact Veit and request that they address this issue. He stated that this should be covered and 22 referenced a missed design. Public Works Director Hartman stated that he would discuss the 23 water issues and the redesign with Rich Koechlien, URS. 24 25 Chair Jindra stated that they discussed turning the sprinkler heads towards the trees noting that 26 some of the sprinklers are now hitting the trees directly. Public Works Director Hartman 27 acknowledged stating that they went out last week and readjusted some of the sprinkler heads. 28 29 Public Works Director Hartman stated that the field numbering would be changing and reviewed 30 the changes with the Commission. 31 32 Mr. Zurbey stated that the practice football/soccer field has a considerable amount of weeds that 33 should be removed. He noted that the north end of the area looks beautiful adding that the south 34 end of the area still looks very weak. Public Works Director Hartman agreed stating that Mr. 35 Hopco would be reviewing this area. 36 37 Chair Jindra referenced the hockey rink and asked if the area would be reseeded. Public Works 38 Director Hartman noted that there is no irrigation in this area and agreed that it should be 39 reseeded. 40 41 Commissioner Jensen referenced the practice/soccer field and asked what kind of maintenance the field would receive. Public Works Director Hartman acknowledged the weeds and explained 4,, that they would mow and enhance the field to a higher level. 44 45 Mr. Zurbey asked if Mr. Hopco's charges to repair the area would be charged back to the Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 4 1 contractor. Public Works Director Hartman explained that the charges would be negotiated out 2 and reviewed the quality of the fields with the Commission. 3 4 Commissioner Ganley asked if this was Veit's first park. Public Works Director Hartman 5 clarified that this is not their first park project. He clarified that Veit did the grading and that 6 North Metro is the subcontractor responsible for the landscaping and irrigation. He 7 acknowledged that Veit is ultimately responsible for the park. He stated that Veit is very aware 8 of the issues and that they intend to hold a portion of the payment until everything has been 9 corrected. 10 11 Ms. Dunn stated that a Resident asked her if the cracks in the new building at Central Park 12 would be repaired. Public Works Director Hartman noted that it is a cedar post wood and 13 explained that wood does split as a natural process. He stated that he would review the area and 14 update the Commission. 15 16 Chair Jindra asked what they plan to do to repair the cracks in the cement near the Varsity Field 17 and Field #2. Public Works Director Hartman stated that he was not aware of the cracks. He 18 stated that he would review the area noting that the Pavilion area would also be addressed. 19 Vice Chair Koehntop expressed concerns noting that there is a lot of trash left after football games. He explained that he has noticed that the trash is left over the weekend noting that it 22 looks really bad both inside and outside the stadium. Mr. Zurbey suggested limiting the areas 23 people can go with beverages and food. Commissioner Jensen agreed stating that there are not 24 enough garbage barrels available in the area and suggested investing in 4-6 additional barrels. 25 Public Works Director Hartman clarified that after an event the area is not cleaned up until the 26 following Monday. Chair Jindra suggested including the clean up of the fields as a part of the 27 Adopt a Park program. 28 29 Chair Jindra referenced a joint meeting that was recently held with City Council to discuss 30 development of a Parks policy. She stated that three members of the Parks Commission were 31 present at the meeting, Chair Jindra, Vice Chair Koehntop and Commissioner Jensen. She stated 32 that the meeting also included members of the School Board, City Council and area residents 33 noting that the meeting was rather volatile. She explained that the School Board is questioning 34 whether it is the place of the Parks Commission to question what the School Board decides to do 35 with school park property. She stated that it was decided to hold another meeting to discuss the 36 issues further noting that the Parks Commission was not officially notified as to the decisions 37 made in the second meeting. She stated that she discussed the meeting with Council Member 38 Sparks and explained that the decision was made that the Parks Commission would not be 39 involved in the process. She explained that a sub -committee would be created that would 40 include one School Board member, one City Council member and the Parks Commission 41 Chairperson noting that the Planning Commission would not be included in the process. 4� Commissioner Jensen clarified that a process would be put in place to handle all future changes 44 to the parks. 45 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 5 1 Chair Jindra expressed her disappointment that the City Council and the City Manager has not 2 contacted her to review these changes. She stated that this was a very controversial issue noting 3 that the School Board does not like the idea that the Parks Commission would be involved in 4 school property decisions. She referenced the discussions regarding the dugout area and 5 reviewed with the Commission. She stated that the plan now includes dugouts and a concession 6 stand area and reviewed with the Commission. 7 8 Public Works Director Hartman stated that he is out of loop on these discussions and asked if 9 there is a subgroup between the school and the City. Ms. Dunn explained that they received a 10 policy, developed by Mike Lauritson, at the last meeting. She stated that the policy discussion 11 was tabled until the next meeting to allow for further refinement of the policy and reviewed with 12 the Commission. She noted that Rick Dunn and Amy Sparks are members of the sub committee. 13 14 Public Works Director Hartman stated that the permits have been applied for and approved 15 noting that they have not come in to pick up the permits yet. He noted that the permits did go 16 through the normal review and approval process and provided an overview to the Commission. 17 18 Vice Chair Koehntop clarified with Ms. Dunn that the policy is still being worked on. Ms. Dunn 19 clarified that they received a draft copy of the policy at their last meeting. She explained that the policy did not clarify much of the information and they requested further clarification before approving. She stated that they are presently working on clarifying the policy and that a 22 Committee structure could be called to review the policy prior to final approval. She reviewed 23 the sub committee structure and approval process with the Commission. 24 25 Mr. Zurbey expressed concerns that the Sports Boosters are not included as members of the 26 subcommittee. He stated that the Sports Boosters have contributed a considerable amount of 27 funds adding that their use of the parks is considerably higher than the school. Chair Jindra 28 suggested incorporating members to the committee that involve groups that do utilize the parks. 29 30 Chair Jindra clarified her understanding of the voting process noting that the Parks Commission 31 usually has unanimous votes adding that there were very few issues that the Parks Commission 32 was against with respect to Sports Boosters concerns. Mr. Zurbey clarified that the Booster Club 33 has never had a vote on issues that affect their group with respect to the parks. He stated that 34 they should have a vote on issues that would affect their group. 35 36 Commissioner Jensen clarified that the Parks Commission approved the dugouts. He noted that 37 it was decided that the dugouts would be paid for through private funding. 38 39 Public Works Director Hartman further clarified noting that what they proposed to do was 40 provided to the Parks Commission as informational noting that they intended to move forward 41 with the project regardless of Park Commission approval as the project was already funded. Commissioner Ganley clarified that Sports Booster Club has an implicit vote with respect to the 44 funding. Mr. Zurbey confirmed noting that this is only one example and that there are other 45 situations where the Sports Booster Club did not have a say or a vote. Ms. Skrivseth expressed Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 6 1 her agreement and explained that Community Services is responsible for renting space at the 2 parks. She reviewed Community Services involvement noting that all concerned parties should 3 be included in the process. 4 5 Vice Chair Koehntop agreed stating that this is why all groups affected were included as 6 members of the Parks Commission. He stated that the policy, as is, does not detail the process at 7 all. He expressed concerns stating that he is not sure why they are bypassing the Park 8 Commission and asked why there is so much hostility. 9 10 Ms. Dunn stated that she has not noticed any hostility., Vice Chair Koehntop clarified that they 11 came with good faith and offers adding that he has noted a real hostility by a number of 12 individuals on both sides. Chair Jindra agreed stating that several of the School Board members 13 made it very clear that they could do what they want with school property. She expressed 14 concerns noting that what they have is a City park that is adjacent to a school and that it is now a 15 community park. She expressed disappointment noting that it is very short sighted to negate the 16 work of the people involved and affected by this project. 17 18 Vice Chair Koehntop asked if they felt that the Parks Commission is doing a good job or have 19 they alienated the School Board and City Council. Ms. Dunn, Ms. Skrivseth and Mr. Zurbey stated that they feel that the Park Commission has done a very good job and acknowledged that there are others who do have a varied opinion with respect to the role the Parks Commission 22 plays in the process. 23 24 Vice Chair Koehntop expressed concerns with respect to how the policies are being developed 25 and reviewed his concerns with the Commission. He stated that the areas that are co -owned 26 should be managed in a co-op manner. Public Works Director Hartman agreed noting that it 27 would be in the school's best interest to work with the City on maintenance issues. 28 29 Public Works Director Hartman asked if another meeting has been scheduled that the Parks 30 Commission could attend. Vice Chair Koehntop stated that there are no other meeting 31 scheduled. 32 33 Chair Jindra asked for clarification of the differences in the roles between the Planning 34 Commission function and the Parks Commission with respect to the review and approval 35 process. Public Works Director Hartman clarified that the Planning Commission deals with 36 ordinances and zoning issues on a regular basis noting that this is considerably different from the 37 Parks Commission. He explained that buildings and new additions to a park would include the 38 Parks Commission and that the City would manage the maintenance issues. 39 40 Chair Jindra expressed concerns that there would be a lack of consistency in building materials. 41 Public Works Director Hartman assured the Commission that they would be working to make everything aesthetically consistent. 44 Vice Chair Koehntop clarified that his concern is with respect to the future process. He stated 45 that neither the City Council or Public Works Director Hartman, on day to day basis, could be in Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 7 1 constant contact with public adding that this is where the Parks Commission could help. 3 Ms. Dunn clarified that her question was whether the policy is implying that the Parks 4 Commission would no longer be commissioned. Chair Jindra noted that almost every 5 community has a Parks Commission and a Parks and Recreations department. She stated that it 6 would be hard to understand if they are planning to eliminate the Parks Commission. 7 8 Mr. Zurbey clarified that he heard Public Works Director Hartman stated that the City and 9 School Board are working together. He further clarified that what he is hearing is that the school 10 is saying it is their property and can do what they want without input from other groups affected 11 by their decisions. He expressed concerns stating that you cannot have a situation where you 12 have your cake and eat it too. He stated that all groups and organizations affected by their 13 decisions should also have a say in the process. Public Works Director Hartman explained that 14 this is what the new subcommittee is about. He clarified that the subcommittee would include 15 members of the Parks Commission, City Council and Staff, School Board members and the 16 Booster Club. He further clarified that all parties involved in this new subcommittee would 17 participate in making the final decisions. 18 19 Ms. Dunn clarified that there were so many unanswered questions with respect to the first draft, which is why they decided to review and update the first draft of the policy. 22 Commissioner Ganley stated that the Parks Commission Chair should represent the Commission 23 on this subcommittee. Ms. Dunn agreed noting that it was implied in the first draft that the Parks 24 Commission would no longer be commissioned. 25 26 Commissioner Jensen volunteered to be a member of the new subcommittee. Public Works 27 Director Hartman suggested that the Chair and Vice Chair also be involved. 28 29 Vice Chair Koehntop asked when would the Parks Commission have time to provide feedback 30 on the first draft. Ms. Dunn clarified that they were not satisfied with what was provided as the 31 first draft of the policy and that they have asked for revisions. She stated that the revised draft 32 would be provided at their next meeting. 33 34 Vice Chair Koehntop asked Public Works Director Hartman to set up meeting with Mr. Morrison 35 to discuss their issues and concerns. Public Works Director Hartman stated that he would set up 36 a meeting with Mr. Morrison. 37 38 Public Works Director Hartman clarified that Chair Jindra, Vice Chair Koehntop and 39 Commissioner Jensen would represent the Parks Commission on this new subcommittee. 40 41 Chair Jindra clarified that they made it very clear at this meeting that they are not asking to be tt' decision makers. She further clarified that they are only asking to be able to make recommendations as an advisory group. 44 45 Motion by Vice Chair Koehntop, second by Commission Ganley to request that Public Works Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 8 1 Director Hartman schedule a meeting between Mr. Morrison, Chair Jindra, Vice Chair Koehntop 2 and Commissioner Ganley to express and request that the Parks Commission Chair has 3 membership in the combined City Council/School Board Committee for future park 4 improvements. 5 6 Motion carried unanimously. 7 8 B. Silver Point Park Update. 9 10 Chair Jindra noted that the materials have been delivered. Public Works Director Hartman 11 confirmed stating that work would begin on Tuesday, September 9, 2003. 12 13 Public Works Director Hai tman stated that the field has not been irrigated and that it would need 14 to be reseeded. He reviewed the progress and plans with the Commission. 15 16 Chair Jindra asked if the field would be reseeded in the spring if the fields look bad. Public 17 Works Director Hartman confirmed that the fields would be reseeded. 18 19 Commissioner Ganley asked if the City has a water truck that is used during times of drought. Public Works Director Hartman noted that it has not been this dry since 1976 stating that they presently do not have a water truck available and reviewed with the Commission. 22 23 Ms. Skrivseth expressed concerns noting that the trees are very distressed. Public Works 24 Director Hartman agreed stating that one option is future irrigation of the area. 25 26 Motion carried unanimously. 27 28 V. REPORTS. 29 30 A. Community Services. 31 32 Community Services Representative Diane Skrivseth reported that this is her last meeting. She 33 explained that at the last meeting she was elected as the new Chairperson replacing George 34 Wagner. She further explained that she would assume all duties to facilitate the meetings adding 35 that Commissioner Wagner would continue as a member. She stated that they would be 36 identifying a non -voting representative for the Council. She stated that she has enjoyed her 37 membership with the Parks Commission adding that she felt that the Commission has done a 38 wonderful job for the City. 39 40 B. School Board. 41 School Board Representative Denise Dunn provided the Commission with an overview of the 4J startup numbers for the schools. She stated that the numbers were higher than in previous years 44 and reviewed with the Commission. She stated that an announcement would be made at the 45 High School Open House this evening that the School Board has approved a resolution to go to Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 9 1 the voters on levy issues. She stated that the vote would be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2003 2 and reviewed the three levy questions, Technology Levy, Curriculum Levy and Per Student Cost 3 Levy, with the Commission. She stated that the Vote Yes Committee is presently being put 4 together and reviewed the process with the Commission. She stated that mailings would be 5 coming out soon in addition to articles that would also be included in the Bulletin. 6 7 C. Sports Boosters. 8 9 Mr. Zurbey stated that he has received several comments on how nice the basketball courts look. 10 He stated that a comment was made referencing the washout in the batting cages and asked if it 11 would be possible to get some strips from the Metrodome. Public Works Director Hartman 12 stated that could be an option noting that the ag-line should work fine along the trail. He 13 explained that when the curb is established the water would run along the path and would no 14 longer have the washout issues. He stated that strips from the Metrodome could be an option if 15 the curb line does not work. 16 17 Mr. Zurbey stated that charitable gambling is a major topic of concern noting that June 1 has 18 been noted as the opening for the new Spectators. He stated that a contract has not been signed 19 adding that Mike Morrison has assured them that charitable gambling would resume, the same as before the Stonehouse closed. He expressed concerns noting that it has been three months since the Stonehouse closed and that State law only allows charitable gambling to carry over so much. 22 He stated that licenses should be maintained and suggested that they look at the financial aspects 23 to be sure that there would be enough money to start charitable gambling. He reviewed the 24 process with the Commission noting that there is a genuine concern as to how this would 25 happen. He stated that they plan to contact the State to determine if they can carry over funds 26 that are more than what the State law allows. He stated that he would update the Commission on 27 their findings. 28 29 VI. OTHER BUSINESS. 30 31 Commissioner Jensen asked why they are attaching separate emails to the Parks Commission 32 minutes. Public Works Director Hartman clarified that he was asked to include the email for the 33 Parks Commission's review. He explained that they couldn't include the email as an official part 34 of the minutes adding that it was for informational purposes only. 35 36 Mr. Zurbey clarified that his reason for asking that the email be included is because of comments 37 made regarding his relationship with the rest of the Board. He explained that he felt he was 38 being accused of not having a relationship and felt that the issue had to be brought up at the 39 meeting. He further explained that he felt that it was important that the context of the 40 conversation that contained the statement should be part of public record. 41 2 Public Works Director Hartman re -stated that the email attachment couldn't be included as an 4., official part of the minutes. He clarified that he included the attachment as an informational for 44 Comnssion review. He stated that the email is clearly separate and not part of the public 45 minutes. Mr. Zurbey stated that the emails were read at the meeting. Chair Jindra agreed noting Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 10 1 that there was also discussion at the last meeting. 2 3 Chair Jindra stated that Maury Anderson is no longer a member of the Parks Commission. 4 5 VII. ADJOURNMENT. 6 7 Motion by Commissioner Ganley, second by Vice Chair Koehntop, to adjourn the meeting at 8 8:25 p.m. 9 10 Motion carried unanimously. 11 12 Respectfully submitted, 13 14 15 Bonita Sullivan 16 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.